Psalms 113
Berean Study Bible

The LORD Exalts the Humble

Hallelujah!

A summons for God’s people to begin worship with joyful praise—“Hallelujah,” meaning “Praise the LORD”—directing attention to the LORD’s greatness and faithfulness.

Rev 19:1 After this I heard a sound like the roar…
Psa 112:1 Hallelujah! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,…
Psa 111:1 Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart…

Give praise, O servants of the LORD;

God’s servants included Israel and those appointed for temple ministry, especially the Levites who led public worship. All who belong to the LORD are called to honor Him in willing service.

Psa 135:1 Hallelujah! Praise the name of the LORD.…
Psa 134:1 A song of ascents. Come, bless the LORD, all you servants…
Rev 19:5 Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God,…

praise the name of the LORD.

Praise is directed to all that God has revealed about Himself—His holiness, power, mercy, and covenant faithfulness. His name represents His character and His saving acts for His people.

Psa 148:13 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone…
Psa 99:3 Let them praise Your great and awesome name—He is holy!
Psa 105:1 Give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name;…

Blessed be the name of the LORD

God’s name reveals His holy character, covenant faithfulness, and sovereign rule. Israel was called to honor Him not merely in prosperity but in every condition of life, recognizing that He alone is worthy of praise.

Job 1:21 Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return.…
Dan 2:20 Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,…
Psa 103:1 Of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul;…

both now and forevermore.

Praise belongs to the LORD in the present and throughout all generations. His reign does not change, and His people are to acknowledge His greatness without end.

Psa 115:18 But it is we who will bless the LORD, both now…
Psa 72:19 And blessed be His glorious name forever; may all the earth…
Psa 145:2 Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name…

From where the sun rises

The eastern horizon marks the beginning of each day, recalling God’s continual rule over creation and the fresh mercies He provides.

Psa 50:1 A Psalm of Asaph. The Mighty One, God the LORD…
Mal 1:11 For My name will be great among the nations,…
Isa 59:19 So shall they fear the name of the LORD where the sun sets…

to where it sets,

The western horizon marks the day’s end. Together, east and west encompass the whole earth and every hour of human life.

Ecc 1:5 The sun rises and the sun sets; it hurries back…
Psa 104:19 He made the moon to mark the seasons…
Psa 19:6 it rises at one end of the heavens and runs its circuit…

the name of the LORD is praised.

God’s name reveals His holy character, sovereign authority, and faithful covenant presence. His praise belongs among all peoples and in every place.

Psa 148:13 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone…
Psa 145:21 My mouth will declare the praise of the LORD;…
Isa 12:4 “Give praise to the LORD; proclaim His name!…

The LORD is exalted over all the nations,

Israel lived among powerful kingdoms such as Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon, yet none stood beyond the LORD’s rule. Earthly rulers rise and fall under His authority, and every nation remains accountable to Him. His reign is not limited by borders, armies, or human power.

Psa 47:8 God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His throne…
Psa 47:2 How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King…
Dan 4:34-35 But at the end of those days I, Nebuchadnezzar,…

His glory above the heavens.

The heavens display God’s greatness, but they cannot contain His majesty. He is exalted above all creation, distinct from and sovereign over everything He has made. His glory points beyond the visible world to His heavenly throne and eternal reign.

Psa 8:1 For the choirmaster. According to Gittith.…
Psa 57:5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; may Your glory…
Psa 108:5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; may Your glory…

Who is like the LORD our God,

Israel’s God stands alone in holiness, power, and authority. Unlike the false gods worshiped by surrounding nations, He is not limited to a place, people, or sphere of influence. He is the Creator and ruler of all things.

Exo 15:11 Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You…
Mic 7:18 Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity…
Psa 89:6 For who in the skies can compare with the LORD?…

the One enthroned on high?

His throne declares His supreme rule over heaven and earth. Though exalted above all creation, He governs with righteousness and justice, and no earthly king or supposed deity can rival His majesty.

Psa 103:19 The LORD has established His throne in heaven…
Psa 2:4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord taunts them.
Psa 47:8 God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His throne…

He humbles Himself

Though exalted above all creation, God willingly stoops to take notice of His works. His greatness does not make Him distant; He rules with full knowledge and purposeful care.

Php 2:7-8 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant…
Jhn 1:14 The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.…
Heb 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower…

to behold

God sees all things clearly and completely. Nothing in heaven or on earth escapes His attention, including the actions, needs, and hearts of mankind.

Psa 14:2 The LORD looks down from heaven upon the sons of men…
Psa 33:13-14 The LORD looks down from heaven; He sees all the sons…
Psa 102:19-20 For He looked down from the heights of His sanctuary;…

the heavens and the earth.

His authority extends over the entire created order. The highest heavens and the world of human life alike remain under His sovereign rule.

Neh 9:6 You alone are the LORD. You created the heavens,…
Deu 10:14 Behold, to the LORD your God belong the heavens,…
Psa 115:16 The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth…

He raises the poor from the dust

God sees those brought low by poverty, grief, and humiliation. He is able to reverse circumstances that appear hopeless, giving honor and stability to people whom society overlooks.

1Sa 2:8 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy…
Psa 72:12-13 For he will deliver the needy who cry out…
Job 5:11 He sets the lowly on high, so that mourners…

and lifts the needy from the dump

The ash heap was associated with refuse, sickness, mourning, and extreme destitution. God’s care reaches those at the margins, rescuing the needy from disgrace and restoring them to a place of dignity.

Luk 1:52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones,…
Psa 147:6 The LORD sustains the humble, but casts the wicked…
1Sa 2:7 The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts.

to seat them with nobles,

God raises the poor and needy from obscurity to places of honor, overturning the judgments of human society. Joseph rose from slavery and prison to rule in Egypt, David was taken from tending sheep to become king, and Esther was elevated to the Persian throne for the preservation of her people. Such elevation belongs to God, who gives dignity and authority according to His purpose.

1Sa 2:8 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy…
Job 36:7 He does not take His eyes off the righteous,…
Luk 1:52-53 He has brought down rulers from their thrones,…

with the princes of His people.

The Lord can place those of low estate among Israel’s leaders and grant them a share in the responsibility of governing His people. Their position is not earned by birth, wealth, or human influence, but bestowed by God’s sovereign hand. The promise ultimately anticipates the reign of Christ, under whom His redeemed people will share in His kingdom.

Pro 8:15-16 By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws;…
Psa 45:16 Your sons will succeed your fathers; you will make them…
Isa 32:1 Behold, a king will reign in righteousness,…

He settles the barren woman in her home

In Israel’s household-centered society, barrenness brought grief and social vulnerability. God had shown His authority over the womb in the lives of Sarah, Hannah, and Elizabeth, overturning hopelessness and removing reproach.

Psa 68:6 God settles the lonely in families; He leads the prisoners…
1Sa 1:19-20 The next morning they got up early to bow in worship…
Gen 21:1-2 Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said…

as a joyful mother to her children.

He gives her a secure place within her household and the joy of raising children, displaying His care for the lowly and His power to change what human effort cannot.

Isa 54:1-3 Shout for joy, O barren woman, who bears no children;…
1Sa 2:1-2 At that time Hannah prayed: “My heart rejoices in the LORD;…
Luk 1:57-58 When the time came for Elizabeth to have her child,…

Hallelujah!

“Praise the Lord” (“Hallelujah”) is the fitting response to the Lord, whose mercy and sovereignty are revealed in such acts.

Rev 19:1-6 After this I heard a sound like the roar…
Psa 111:1 Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart…
Psa 112:1 Hallelujah! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,…

This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com.



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